Boston: Scientists at Tufts University have developed a groundbreaking weight loss drug that could rival bariatric surgery by targeting four key gut hormones. This next-generation compound, designed by Krishna Kumar and his team, combines the effects of GLP-1, GIP, glucagon, and a fourth hormone called PYY to achieve greater and more sustainable weight loss with fewer side effects.
The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, marks a significant advancement over treatments like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which act on fewer receptors and often cause nausea, muscle loss, and weight rebound.
Over 15 million U.S. adults use such drugs, but limitations persist. By incorporating PYY, a structurally distinct hormone that reduces appetite and slows digestion, the Tufts team created a ‘tetra-functional’ peptide that could offer more consistent results and preserve muscle and bone mass.
Current GLP-1 drugs may achieve 6–15% weight loss, while newer triple-hormone drugs reach up to 24%. The new compound aims to hit the 30% weight loss benchmark, matching surgical outcomes.
Researchers say this multi-target strategy could better handle individual variation in hormone response and improve long-term success. With obesity linked to over 180 diseases, including diabetes and heart conditions, this drug could dramatically shift the treatment landscape.
